AUGUST OUTLOOK
Quarterback competitions always make headlines in August. It was certainly one of the hot topics with the Aggies. Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are vying for the starter role – again. It's not surprising. They essentially competed twice last season to see who would lead the offense.
NOTHING NEW
Nick Starkel was named the starter for the 2017 opener, then was injured in that contest. He came back late in the season to excel. His bowl game was magnificent.
Competing for the starting job is old hat to this QB that can definitely sling it. As a junior in high school he beat out a senior that was expected to be the guy. He even competed as a freshman at A&M for a spot on the travel squad. This August represents the third time he and Mond have competed. Starkel is used to it by now and understands it's the life a quarterback leads.
He sees the field well, and can zip the ball to any receiver, at any distance, in a hurry. It's not just a strong arm. Starkel carries an inner strength that comes from years of competing at the position.
There's no doubt he'll be ready for whichever role his handed down.
STARK CONTRAST
Mond brings different attributes to the position. Incredible athleticism is one of them. A speedster with the ball in his hands, Mond can drop jaws. He's added a few pounds and looks physically imposing.
When picking the best pure athlete on this team, he'd be in the running.
He started in 2017 after Starkel went down. At times the action sped up on the freshman, but understand he did lead A&M to three SEC wins, including one in The Swamp. He even had his moments against eventual national champion Alabama, going toe-to-toe with the vaunted Tide defense.
Mond will show great improvement as a sophomore, that's become apparent through spring and August. Whether as a starter or in relief, he's prepped for success. It's clear the game is slowing down for the quick-footed QB.
QB COMPLEMENTATION
Through all the contrast, maybe in the end they'll complement each other. As the opener nears, it's not out of the question both could be used. A scenario where each has received significant snaps in the 1st quarter Thursday against Northwestern State is not far-fetched.
Starkel and Mond's attributes are both needed. Starkel brings arm strength, and Mond leg speed. What they combine to bring is all needed. Fisher has complimented both on several occasions. Maybe one does emerge to take the reins. But, don't rule out two heads being better than one.
At least to begin the season.
Quarterback competitions always make headlines in August. It was certainly one of the hot topics with the Aggies. Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are vying for the starter role – again. It's not surprising. They essentially competed twice last season to see who would lead the offense.
NOTHING NEW
Nick Starkel was named the starter for the 2017 opener, then was injured in that contest. He came back late in the season to excel. His bowl game was magnificent.
Competing for the starting job is old hat to this QB that can definitely sling it. As a junior in high school he beat out a senior that was expected to be the guy. He even competed as a freshman at A&M for a spot on the travel squad. This August represents the third time he and Mond have competed. Starkel is used to it by now and understands it's the life a quarterback leads.
He sees the field well, and can zip the ball to any receiver, at any distance, in a hurry. It's not just a strong arm. Starkel carries an inner strength that comes from years of competing at the position.
There's no doubt he'll be ready for whichever role his handed down.
STARK CONTRAST
Mond brings different attributes to the position. Incredible athleticism is one of them. A speedster with the ball in his hands, Mond can drop jaws. He's added a few pounds and looks physically imposing.
When picking the best pure athlete on this team, he'd be in the running.
He started in 2017 after Starkel went down. At times the action sped up on the freshman, but understand he did lead A&M to three SEC wins, including one in The Swamp. He even had his moments against eventual national champion Alabama, going toe-to-toe with the vaunted Tide defense.
Mond will show great improvement as a sophomore, that's become apparent through spring and August. Whether as a starter or in relief, he's prepped for success. It's clear the game is slowing down for the quick-footed QB.
QB COMPLEMENTATION
Through all the contrast, maybe in the end they'll complement each other. As the opener nears, it's not out of the question both could be used. A scenario where each has received significant snaps in the 1st quarter Thursday against Northwestern State is not far-fetched.
Starkel and Mond's attributes are both needed. Starkel brings arm strength, and Mond leg speed. What they combine to bring is all needed. Fisher has complimented both on several occasions. Maybe one does emerge to take the reins. But, don't rule out two heads being better than one.
At least to begin the season.